Shane Nolan - Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Shane Nolan is a criminal defense attorney at FrizWoods LLC with substantial courtroom experience in Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Before joining the firm, Shane served as a prosecutor with the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. He handled hundreds of misdemeanor cases before moving to Circuit Court, where he prosecuted serious felony matters involving drug offenses, homicides, sex offenses, and felony assaults.
Shane has conducted numerous jury trials involving homicides, kidnapping, child sex offenses, and other felonies. His homicide work included cases in which life sentences were imposed. This experience gives him a practical understanding of how the State prepares, evaluates, and presents criminal cases.
Anne Arundel County Prosecutorial Experience
Shane joined the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office in May 2022. During his first assignments in District Court, he managed hundreds of misdemeanor prosecutions and developed extensive day-to-day courtroom experience.
After moving to Circuit Court, Shane prosecuted:
- Drug offenses
- Homicides
- Sex offenses
- Felony assaults
- Kidnapping and other serious felonies
His work included numerous jury trials and cases carrying the most serious potential consequences. That background now informs his approach to felony defense, drug charges, and assault cases.
Legal and Judicial Experience
Before becoming a prosecutor, Shane worked as an Attorney Advisor at the VA Board of Veterans' Appeals from August 2020 until May 2022.
While attending law school, he served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Michael Wachs in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. He observed felony trials and drug court proceedings, researched legal issues, and prepared drafts for judicial opinions and three-judge panels.
Shane also worked as a summer law clerk at the Lochner Law Firm in Annapolis. His work focused on admiralty and maritime law and included legal research, vessel inspections following casualties, client correspondence, quantum studies, and investigative research concerning vessel arrests.
United States Coast Guard Service
Shane served in the United States Coast Guard from 2007 to 2014 and attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. As a Machinery Technician Second Class, he managed teams of up to 20 junior service members completing engineering assignments.
He also served as a certified federal boarding officer. His duties included maritime law enforcement, safety inspections, and security patrols. During his Coast Guard career, Shane was part of a team that interdicted narcotics, enforced international fishing and wildlife laws, and protected waterside assets including the United States Naval Academy.
Education
- University of Baltimore School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2019
- University of Baltimore Law Forum, Staff Editor
- University of Maryland Global Campus, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, 2016
- Graduated with a 4.0 GPA
Trial Experience Applied to Criminal Defense
Shane brings FrizWoods clients experience developed through military service, judicial work, veterans' appeals, and years of criminal prosecution. He has handled cases at both the misdemeanor and felony levels and has presented serious criminal cases to Maryland juries.
Contact FrizWoods to schedule a consultation with Shane Nolan or another member of the firm's criminal defense team.